• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.232-239
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• 2009

This research investigated the characteristics of antibiotic resistance of bacteria in microbial communities from municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWTPs), and monitored seasonal changes of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) from MWTPs and Han river. When antibiotics were amended to either R2A agar (R2A) for general heterotrophs or MacConeky sorbitol agar (MSA) for coliform bacteria, all the MWTP samples exhibited multiple antibiotic resistance on the antibiotic-amended solid media. The antibiotic resistance appearing frequencies of ampicillin and sulfathiazole, respectively, were higher than reported data for other countries. The antibiotic resistance appearances differed depending upon the concentrations of primary substrate and nutrients and the types of cultivation media. The following 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis showed that the identified multiple-antibiotic resistant microbes on R2A plates were more likely to be known human-pathogenic bacteria than the background heterotrophic bacteria were, suggesting a high risk of antibiotic resistance appearance to public health. In addition, according to our investigation of seasonal changes of ARB from urban MWTP and river samples, the frequency of ARB appearances was shown to correlate positively with temperature. This indicates a possibility that global warming result in increase in microbial risk to public health.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.2793-2800
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• 2015

In molecular-targeted cancer therapy, acquired resistance to gemcitabine is a major clinical problem that reduces its effectiveness, resulting in recurrence and metastasis of cancers. In spite of great efforts to reveal the overall mechanism of acquired gemcitabine resistance, no definitive genetic factors have been identified that are absolutely responsible for the resistance process. Therefore, we performed a cross-platform meta-analysis of three publically available microarray datasets for cancer cell lines with acquired gemcitabine resistance, using the R-based RankProd algorithm, and were able to identify a total of 158 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 76 up- and 82 down-regulated) that are potentially involved in acquired resistance to gemcitabine. Indeed, the top 20 up- and down-regulated DEGs are largely associated with a common process of carcinogenesis in many cells. For the top 50 up- and down-regulated DEGs, we conducted integrated analyses of a gene regulatory network, a gene co-expression network, and a protein-protein interaction network. The identified DEGs were functionally enriched via Gene Ontology hierarchy and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses. By systemic combinational analysis of the three molecular networks, we could condense the total number of DEGs to final seven genes. Notably, GJA1, LEF1, and CCND2 were contained within the lists of the top 20 up- or down-regulated DEGs. Our study represents a comprehensive overview of the gene expression patterns associated with acquired gemcitabine resistance and theoretical support for further clinical therapeutic studies.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2018

We investigated patterns of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from the water discharged from inland pollution sources in the Hansan-Geojeman and Jaranman-Saryangdo areas of Korea. A total of 217 strains of E. coli were isolated from 23 point-sources. These strains were tested for their susceptibility to 16 antimicrobial agents used in Korea for medical or veterinary therapy. The highest level of antibiotic resistance among the isolated strains was to tetracycline 10.6%, followed by ampicillin (3.2%), nalidixic acid (2.8%), rifampin (1.8%), trimethoprim (1.8%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (1.8%), chloramphenicol (1.4%), streptomycin (1.4%), cephalothin (0.5%) and gentamicin (0.5%). Resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent was present in 17.1% of the E. coli isolates. Only four of the isolated strains of E. coli showed multiple antibiotic resistance, which is defined as resistance to more than four antibiotics.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.163-168
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• 2005

This study was carried out to investigate the antibiotic resistance pattern of Enterococcus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolated from chicken feces. All isolates showed high resistance to erythromycin (E) and tetracycline (TE). Of the 63 Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) isolates, 73.0% were resistant to E and 98.4% to TE. Of the 44 Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) isolates, 50.0% were resistant to E and 95.5% to TE. Of the 52 S. aureus isolates, 57.6% were resistant to E and 96.2% to TE. The prevalence of two and three drugs resistance pattern were 28.6% and 17.5% of E. faecalis, 40.9% and 25.0% of E. faecium and 38.5% and 23.1% of S. aureus, respectively. The multiple resistance pattern to six drugs was observed in 1 E. faecalis isolates, and five drugs resistance pattern were seen in 1 E. faecalis, 1 E. faecium and 1 S. aureus isolates. The prevalence of resistant organisms in Korea probably reflects lack of proper antibiotic policy resulting in prolonged and indiscriminate use of antimicrobial agents.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.230-235
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• 2020

The global evolution of antibiotic resistance has threatened the efficacy of available treatment options with ravaging impacts observed in developing countries. As a result, investigations into the prevalence of antibiotic resistance and the role of plasmids are crucial. In this study, we investigated the presence and distribution of bla_TEM and gyrA genes, plasmid profiles, and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Salmonella strains isolated from raw meat and stool sources across Niger State, Nigeria. Ninety-eight samples, comprising 72 raw meat and 26 stool samples, were screened for Salmonella spp. The antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella isolates to 10 commonly used antimicrobial agents was determined using the KirbyBauer disc diffusion method. Isolates were further analyzed for plasmids, in addition to PCR amplification of beta-lactamase (bla_TEM) and gyrA genes. A total of 31 Salmonella spp. were isolated, with 22 from raw meat (70.97%) and 9 from stool (29.03%). Salmonella spp. with multiple resistance patterns to ceftazidime, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, erythromycin, ampicillin, cloxacillin, and gentamicin were detected. Ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were found to be the most effective among the antibiotics tested, with 67.7% and 93.5% susceptible isolates, respectively. Nine (29.03%) isolates harbored plasmids with molecular sizes ranging between 6557 bp and 23137 bp. PCR amplification of gyrA was detected in 1 (3.23%) of the 31 isolates while 28 isolates (90.32%) were positive for bla_TEM. This study shows the incidence of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella isolates and the possible role of plasmids; it also highlights the prevalence of ampicillin resistance in this local population.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.183-188
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• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a stretchable joint motion sensor that is based on silver nano-particle. Through this sensor, it can be utilized as an equipment for rehabilitation and analyze joint movement. Method: In this study, precursor solution was created, after that, nozel printer (Musashi, Image master 350PC) was used to print on a circuit board. Sourcemeter (Keithley, Keithley-2450) was used in order to evaluate changes of electric resistance as the sensor stretches. In addition, the sensor was attached on center of a knee joint to 2 male adults, and performed knee flexion-extension in order to evaluate accurate analysis; 3 infrared cameras (100 Hz, Motion Master 100, Visol Inc., Korea) were also used to analyze three dimensional movement. Descriptive statistics were suggested for comparing each accuracy of measurement variables of joint motions with the sensor and 3D motions. Results: The change of electric resistance of the sensor indicated multiple of 30 times from initial value in 50% of elongation and the value of electric resistance were distinctively classified by following 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% of elongation respectively. Through using the sensor and 3D camera to analyze movement variable, it showed a resistance of 99% in a knee joint extension, whereas, it indicated about 80% in flexion phase. Conclusion: In this research, the stretchable joint motion sensor was created based on silver nanoparticle that has high conductivity. If the sensor stretches, the distance between nanoparticles recede which lead gradual disconnection of an electric circuit and to have increment of electric resistance. Through evaluating angle of knee joints with observation of sensor's electric resistance, it showed similar a result and propensity from 3D motion analysis. However, unstable electric resistance of the stretchable sensor was observed when it stretches to maximum length, or went through numerous joint movements. Therefore, the sensor need complement that requires stability when it comes to measuring motions in any condition.

• The Korean Journal of Franchise Management
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.7-15
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to clarify the role of decoupling between job characteristics, innovation behavior, and innovation resistance in order to seek ways for companies to survive and grow continuously through innovation activities in various uncertain situations. Research design, data and methodology: A total of 263 valid questionnaires were collected and used for analysis for employees working at the company. For the analysis, simple and multiple regression analysis, and 3-step mediated regression analysis were conducted using SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 24.0. Results: First, it was found that skill variety, task identity, autonomy, and feedback increase decoupling, and decoupling increases innovation resistance. In addition, it was confirmed that decoupling had a mediating effect between job characteristics and innovation resistance excluding task significance. Finally, it was found that task significance and feedback increase innovation behavior, and decoupling and task identity increase innovation resistance, but feedback can alleviate innovation resistance. Conclusions: As a result of the analysis, the fact that job characteristics excluding task importance have a positive effect on decoupling means that there are two sides of job characteristics perceived by employees. In other words, it means that the results of analysis on the jobs that the company assigns to its members may not be effective. In addition, decoupling, a phenomenon that seems to be accepting on the outside, but perceives that it is negative on the inside, means that there is a possibility to reject innovation. Therefore, prior to carrying out innovation activities, companies should give clear job specifications and meanings for the job and give them autonomy when assigning jobs to their members. In order to provide appropriate feedback, the company must design, operate, and provide feedback. It was found that there was a need to review the overall effectiveness. In addition, efforts such as strengthening corporate-level fairness, maintaining psychological contracts, and realizing authentic leadership should be preceded to reduce decoupling.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.2.1-2.14
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• 2020

The emergence of livestock-associated (LA)-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in livestock animal has become a significant zoonotic concern. In the present study, we investigated nationwide prevalence of LA-MRSA across pork production chain including pig farms, slaughterhouses, and retail markets. A total of 40 MRSA strains were isolated during the investigation and the overall prevalence of MRSA was 3.4% (n = 37), 0.6% (n = 2), and 0.4% (n = 1) in pig farms, slaughterhouses, and retail markets, respectively. Multilocus sequence typing analyses revealed that the 2 most significant clonal lineages in pork production chain in Korea were ST398 (n = 25) and ST541 (n = 6). All of the 40 MRSA isolates were further characterized to investigate key genotypic and phenotypic correlates associated with the emergence and spread of clonal complex 398 (CC398; ST398, and ST541) LA-MRSA. Although the prevalence of swine-associated MRSA was still relatively low and mostly restricted to pig farms, multidrug-resistant CC398 LA-MRSA isolates with new spa types (t18102 and t18103) were identified as a major clonal lineage. The CC398 LA-MRSA strains tended to exhibit increased levels of multiple drug resistance (MDR) phenotype compared with non-CC398 MRSA strains. Of note, in comparison with non-CC398 MRSA isolates, CC398 LA-MRSA isolates exhibited significantly enhanced tetracycline (TET) and zinc resistance. These findings suggested that co-selection pressure associated with MDR phenotype, especially TET resistance, and zinc resistance may have played a significant role in the emergence and persistence of CC398 LA-MRSA in pig farms in Korea.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.58-66
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the level of psychological insulin resistance and self-care activities and to evaluate the factors affecting self-care activities in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing insulin therapy to provide basic data for the development of educational programs. Methods: Data were collected through the interviews using a structured questionnaire from August 29 to October 20, 2017, from the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus visiting the Diabetes Mellitus Center at H-General Hospital in J-city. The subjects were 168 patients who had been being treated via self-injection for at least three months after the start of insulin therapy. Data analyses were conducted using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression using the SAS WIN 9.2 program. Results: The mean score of psychological insulin resistance was 61.25 (range 19-95) and the mean score of self-care activities was 53.19 (range 18-90). Self-care activities were significantly different by gender (t = -2.94, p= .004), perceived health status (F= 7.00, p< .001), and hypoglycemia during the last three months (t= -2.47, p= .015). Negative correlation was observed between psychological insulin resistance and self-care activities (r= -.33, p< .001). Self-care activities were significantly predicted by psychological insulin resistance, perceived health status, gender, and hypoglycemia during the last three months, and 19.0% of the variance in self-care activities was explained (F= 9.01, p< .001). Conclusion: Psychological insulin resistance in patients undergoing insulin therapy and its effects on self-care activities identified in this study will be useful in starting and maintaining insulin therapy in the future.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2020.12a
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• pp.48-48
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• 2020

Fire blight, caused by Erwinia amylovora(Burrill), is a destructive disease of apple that damages blossoms, shoots, and woody plant organs. The fire blight disease is a worldwide problem for pome fruit growers because all popular apple cultivars are susceptible to the disease. Recently, fire blight of apple rootstocks has become a serious economic problem in high-density orchard systems in korea. The most commonly used dwarfing root stocks, M.9 and M.26, are highly susceptible to E. amylovora. The objective of the apple rootstock-breeding program has been to develop pomologically excellent rootstocks with resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, including fire blight. Budagovsky 9 (B.9) apple rootstock is reported to be highly susceptible when inoculated with E. amylovora, although results from multiple trials showed that B.9 is resistant to rootstock blight infection in field plantings. So we tried to collect the apple rootstocks traits of fire blight resistance. The apple genotype Malus Robusta 5 (MR5) represents an ideal donor for fire blight resistance because it was described as resistant to all currently known European strains of the pathogen. The PCR for detecting the MR5 gene using the primers Md_MR5_FL_F/Md_MR5_FL_R. The results of these experiments confirmed some apple rootstocks traits of fire blight resistance showed the MR5. Furthermore, this gene is confirmed to be the resistance determinant of Mr5 as the transformed lines undergo the same gene-for-gene interaction in the host-pathogen relationship MR5-E. amylovora.